First Chinese New Year as Australians

“Honestly, we didn’t know Australia very well when we were in China, but I like somewhere warm, with beautiful animals, plants and environment – and that’s why I chose Australia,” says Lujia Zhang.

Four years ago, she and her husband Dong Liu made the move from the bustling industrial hub of Shenyang, in north eastern China, to the quiet leafy suburbs of Orange in central western New South Wales.

When Dong was offered work as a design engineer at the local white goods factory, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to sample life in a country town where they found delight in the spacious, natural surroundings.

“I think we will do our best to protect this nature and enjoy it,” says Dong.

Immediately, the couple felt welcomed in their new community and soon set up a house and got a dog, a black-and-white border collie they later named Piano.

They loved the Australian lifestyle and the opportunities it offered, so it seemed the next thing to do was to become citizens.

A difficult decision

This year, Lujia and Dong formally received their citizenship at their local Australia Day celebrations. However, it wasn’t the easiest decision to begin with as it meant having to let go of their Chinese citizenship.

This was a big thing to consider. Since both of them were born under China’s One Child Policy, neither of them have siblings to care for their parents back home.

“Becoming Australian citizens means we have to apply for a Chinese visa, then we can travel back to China. But with a travelling visa we can stay in China for only three months," says Dong.

"Our parents are getting older and older, so probably some day they will become sick. But, if that happens, that will be very hard for us and we will worry about them a lot, so I think that’s the most difficult part for us.”

The universal language

A piano and vocal teacher, Lujia has been fortunate to find work at the regional conservatorium in Orange.

Although she finds it challenging to teach using the English language, she enjoys the experience and has taken the opportunity to introduce her students to songs written by Chinese, Korean and Japanese composers.

In return she is exposed to a whole new variety of western music – including swing and blues songs – not common in her home country.

“I feel very good about it, because the repertoires are very different from what I teach in China – there are so many different varieties of music. I’m really happy to learn it here and teach them here,” says Lujia.

Culture shock

The couple have gradually adjusted to the customs and social norms of their adopted country.

One thing that Lujia particularly noticed was the way westerners affectionately greet one another.

“[In Australia] when friends meet each other, they hug and kiss. In Chinese culture it’s not very common [unless] maybe in a group of young people when they know each other really well.

“[In China] if I hug male friends it’s very weird, it’s very strange, we don’t do that, but here you can hug your friends no matter if they are male or female,” she says.

Another instance was when their 84-year-old neighbour insisted she call her by her first name, something that would be unheard of in Chinese culture.

“I told my mum about my neighbour and my mum said, ‘Aren’t you rude? You call her by name, you should call her Grannie.’ But that’s not what we do here, we just call each other by name. You feel like each other are all equal,” says Lujia.

One of the things the couple yearns for the most is the pleasure of Chinese cooking.

“The Chinese food is brilliant. There are so many varieties and cuisines. We miss them very much,” says Dong.

The couple say it can be difficult to find their favourite Chinese dishes in regional areas, so on visits to Sydney they’ll stock up on ingredients for their home-cooked meals.

As time goes by, the couple are starting to appreciate the local tastes on offer.

“The more Australian food I eat, the more I like it. Like before I don’t drink wine, and my friend introduce wine to me and I start to like it,” says Lujia.

New Moon Down Under

Lujia and Dong will celebrate their first Chinese New Year as Australian citizens by entertaining friends with customs and cuisines from their home country.

They’ll be cooking up some traditional dishes but they’re also willing to accommodate their guests’ tastes.

“We can do dumplings and an Aussie style barbecue. A bit of a mix,” says Dong.

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Comments

Faith Eeson

Great story ... yes, it is a big cultural change. In Atrica too, you never call an adult by their first name.

Kuroodetto

Some people don't understand what others go through when they leave their country or origin and try to assimilate in a new country. This is a perfect example.

Christine Riding

I'm glad you are enjoying your life in Australia. Orange is a nice town, and you have made a good choice with your dog Piano :)

Vera Rayson

Congratulations on becoming an Aussie Lujia and Dong. Isn't it wonderful in the land of Oz you can be what you want to be, you can do what you want to do, people will accept and respect you for what you are. I wish I could attend your BBQ. Best of luck to you both and Piano. Lovely story.

Wiriya Sati

Very nice insight into the cultural differences and experience of Australia from a Chinese perspective. Especially the hug as a greeting and calling one's elders by first name. Happy new moon.

Michael Bromage

A wonderful story that brings warmth to the heart and a craving for delicious Chinese dumplings and cross-cultural conversation.